That prediction is troubling for the economy and may also play an important role in the coming 2012 presidential election. In Florida, gas prices in 2011 peaked at over $3.80 a gallon last May but have dropped like a rock since then to the $3.20's in December. Now they are creeping up again, with Florida gas averaging $3.37 (and Tampa Bay averaging $3.34) as of Wednesday.

The highest price for gas in Florida was reported in July 2008 at $4.079 a gallon, according to the Daily Fuel Gauge Report. So are we headed for a new record?

About the blog

Tampa Bay business news and insights are brought to you each day by business columnist Robert Trigaux and his fellow business writers. Venture provides an inside look at Tampa Bay companies as well as events, people, deal, triumphs and failures across the Tampa Bay economy.